B
O
A
R
D

B
O
O
K
S

COLOR SURPRISES: A POP UP BOOK
Written by Chuck Murphy
Not exactly a board book (as in, don’t let this one out of your hands) but wonderful for young kids, this pop-up book is simple in concept – there’s a solid colored square on each page that you push or pull or prod to reveal something new.  Only 10 pages, but each one is likely to get a gasp or giggle or other happy reaction from the audience (and that might just include you!).

 

THE OKAY BOOK
Written by Todd Parr
Todd Parr has a slew of books that use bright, bold colors and simple text to create gentle laughs and a feeling of reassurance. Kinda silly and ultimately sweet, this book  and its many companions are solid choices for almost every youngster.

P
I
C
T
U
R
E

B
O
O
K
S

(4-8)

DOWN TO THE SEA WITH MR. MAGEE
Written by Chris Van Dusen
Fantastic art and a clever rhyming text combine to tell the story of Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, who take their boat out for a pleasure ride… and end up having an adventure with whales. It’s all lighthearted fun, and you can have a second adventure with the two in A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee

THE DIRTY COWBOY
Written by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex
This is a tall tale about a cowboy who decides it’s time for his annual bath. He leaves his dog to guard his clothes, but when he comes back from the river all cleaned up, the dog doesn’t recognize him… and the Cowboy ends up getting filthy again as he tries to get the clothes. Man and beast reconcile by the end… but you’ll have to read the book to find out if the poor Cowboy ever gets dressed again.

I
N
D
E
P
E
N
D
E
N
T

R
E
A
D
E
R
S

(6-9)

HORRID HENRY’S UNDERPANTS
Written by Francesca Simon, Illustrated by Tony Ross
The four stories in this book show Henry at his horrid best, whether it’s competing with his brother Perfect Peter over who is the sickest, or coming up with a great way to write thank you’s -- in general showing how he got his name. Henry’s horrid in a funny/naughty way, not a harmful/dangerous way, but it’s certainly slightly “edgier” fare for this age than most books. This is one of a series of British books, relatively easy to find online, but not published here in the States.

 

POPPLETON
Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Mark Teague
There are many books in the Poppleton series, and you really can't go wrong with whatever one you pick. But why not start at the beginning so you can meet Poppleton, Cherry Sue, and Hudson and really get to know them? Sweet and funny with art that really helps early readers, this is a wonderful series by an incredibly talented writer and a remarkable illustrator (who also writes great books of his own).

Y
O
U
N
G

R
E
A
D
E
R

N
O
V
E
L
S

(9-12)

NIAGRA FALLS, OR DOES IT
Written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
This is the first in the Hank Zipzer series of books, loosely based on Henry Winkler’s own childhood as a kid with “learning differences.” Reading,  writing, and spelling have always been hard for Hank, but by story’s end, he learns it’s not as simple as him being an underachiever. But these aren’t just stories of a dysfunctional kid – these are stories of a fourth grader with good friends, a well drawn family, and ingenuity and good-heartedness.

 

THE PENDERWICKS: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
Written by Jean Birdsall
The full title of the book does a fine job of letting you know what you’re in for here, particularly with the word “tale.” This isn’t full of action or adventure, but it’s totally engaging, witty, charming, and full of hope.  The story of four sisters (ages 4, 10, 11, and 12), their dog, and their dad spending a summer in a rental cottage…and the people (and rabbits) they encounter. Not dark but not lightweight either, this beautifully written book won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (and probably works best for the upper end of the young middle grade set).